Okay so obviously I'm not getting something everybody else is. I'm lvl 44 MRD and I switched my gear from lvl 41 to 44 from head to toe. Previously my lowest piece was around 29 an now I think it's 39.

The problem I'm having is during the past 10 levels my gear level has been stuck at 28.
This is the 3rd gear upgrade I've done but the gear level hasn't budged. What am I not getting here?

I don't have anything equipped in my secondary weapon slot, can/should I put something there? Is this normal?

Sorry for the noob question I couldn't find any info on this anywhere.